Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, and the Commission’s Ranking Member, Joe Wilson (R-SC), along Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) have introduced the bipartisan Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022. This proposed legislation would enhance the President’s current lend and lease authority to simplify bureaucratic barriers with regard to military equipment for Ukraine.
The scope of this bill would be limited to materials for use in protecting civilians during the current Russian military invasion, and the broader national security concerns of the United States.
This bicameral bill is a companion to the Senate version introduced by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
“President Franklin Roosevelt’s Lend-Lease program, enacted in 1941, very likely permitted Britain to keep fighting the Nazis in World War II, and ultimately helped roll back tyranny across Europe. This similarly necessary Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will, I hope, allow the brave people of Ukraine to defend themselves against unwarranted Russian aggression without obligating U.S. troops,” said Representative Steve Cohen.
“I am grateful to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure that red tape does not stand in the way of the courageous people of Ukraine as they fight for their families and the sovereignty of their country. There is historical precedent for lend-lease dating back to World War II, which was instrumental in defeating Hitler’s Nazi Germany. This war perpetrated by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine has united the world in its resolve against corrupt authoritarians and in admiration for the Ukrainian people. The US, along with our valued allies, must continue to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to repel this attack, and this legislation expedites and expands that process,” said Representative Joe Wilson.
“The United States must take aggressive and decisive action to aid Ukraine as they fight Putin’s brutal invasion. I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn and Representative Wilson in introducing legislation that will ensure the United States can continue to provide equipment and armaments without delay,” said Representative Liz Cheney.
“Ukrainians have proven they’re willing to stand and fight for democracy against one of the largest armies in the world,” said Representative Tom Malinowski. "They deserve a fair shot to protect their country, and this legislation will give President Biden even greater flexibility to deliver to them the weapons they need.”
“The United States must provide all available military assistance to the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty. This program will provide Ukraine with additional flexibility and resources to continue their fight against Russian invaders and further bolster European security,” said Representative Mike Waltz.
“When it comes to key national security issues, partisanship should stop at the water’s edge. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible bravery in the last few days to protect their country, and I’m pleased that Republicans and Democrats are working together to make sure we have their backs. This bill will give the President the authority to lend and lease military equipment directly to the Ukrainian government to protect civilians and to give the Ukrainian Armed Forces the tools they need to continue to fight back against Russia’s unwarranted aggression,” said Representative Elissa Slotkin.
Background:
As part of the President’s Arms Export Control Act authority, he can currently lend and lease defense articles to U.S. partners and allies when it is in the United States’ national security interest. However, bureaucratic barriers and other limitations make these authorities impractical for the current crisis facing Ukraine.
Original source can be found here.
